Speeding can cost drivers up to £2,500 fine and may see individuals rack up penalty points on their driving licence.
Graham Conway, spokesperson for Select Car Leasing said road users’ “wrong” assumptions could come back to bite with many individuals reporting being caught out.
He said: “We hear this quite often, but it’s something that could potentially ruin your Christmas if you get it wrong.
“It appears that many motorists think the speed cameras on smart motorways are only in operation when the matrix signs on the gantries show a variable speed limit, say 50mph or 60mph.
“They are aware that they need to slow down when they see this, but wrongly believe that at other times they won’t get clocked breaking the speed limit, as long as they don’t encounter the police.
“This simply is not right. Online motoring forums are full of accounts from drivers who’ve been caught out in such a manner.
“And the penalties for breaking the speed limit on a motorway can be severe. That’s as well as being dangerous and putting lives at risk, of course.”
WeBuyAnyCar previously warned that speed cameras fitted on smart motorways “constantly monitor motorists”.
They added that officials “may issue fines to anyone caught speeding” or found to be unfairly driving in closed lanes on the route.
“This simply is not right. Online motoring forums are full of accounts from drivers who’ve been caught out in such a manner.
“And the penalties for breaking the speed limit on a motorway can be severe. That’s as well as being dangerous and putting lives at risk, of course.”
WeBuyAnyCar previously warned that speed cameras fitted on smart motorways “constantly monitor motorists”.
They added that officials “may issue fines to anyone caught speeding” or found to be unfairly driving in closed lanes on the route.